Player profile: Ryan Raburn

If you followed this blog last season, you know I loved Ryan Raburn as a sleeper for 2010 and thought he could hit 20-25 home runs if given the at-bats. That prediction looked bleak in the first half, but after getting the chance to play every day for most of the second half, he came close and displayed why I liked him.

He will turn 30 soon, and has shuffled back and forth between the minors and majors and played several positions. Raburn is projected to play leftfield and likely start for the Tigers this season.

If Raburn is eligible at second base in your league, you are very fortunate and makes him an even better play. He played 18 games at second base last season, so know your league rules.

The power is legit. The average won’t be great since he does strike out a lot, but .270 is reasonable. Last season Raburn hit .280 with 54 runs, 15 home runs, 62 RBIs and an .814 OPS.

After the All-Star break, when he began to get regular playing time, he batted .315 with 39 runs, 16 doubles, 13 home runs, 46 RBIs and a .900 OPS in 251 at-bats. All he needs is an opportunity to play consistently and he should get it.

He's a great bargain as a second baseman, and even as an outfielder in mixed leagues, he's a good value. With more than 500 at-bats, 20-25 home runs are feasible.